Sacramento LRT extension gets federal grant

Sacramento Regional Transit has secured $270 million in federal funds to advance its South Sacramento Corridor Phase 2 Line Light Rail extension. The announcement was made by House Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.).

The Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA), granted by the Federal Transit Administration, will provide $135 million, or 50%, of the project's estimated cost. The project extends the Blue Line 4.3 miles south to Cosumnes River College, and connecting downtown and North Sacramento to South Sacramento. The expansion includes four stations: Morrison Creek, Franklin, Center Parkway, and Cosumnes River College Station.

"Much work has gone into getting us to this point and I am pleased that FTA has finalized the FFGA for the South Line Light Rail Expansion project," said Matsui in a statement. "As Sacramento and Cosumnes River College continue to grow, this expansion will improve our transportation infrastructure, linking one of the fastest-growing parts of Sacramento County to light rail services. This is an example of how federal and local governments can work together to improve the lives of thousands of Sacramento residents."

Added Regional Transit Board of Directors Chair Bonnie Pannell, "Together, working side-by-side with Congresswoman Doris Matsui and my fellow RT board members, we have achieved a major milestone for the Blue Line light rail project."

Construction on the South Line Light Rail Expansion could begin early next year, with completion targeted for September 2015.